Page 103 of Ruthless Reign

Liza nods, her face drawn and pale. She might agree, but the tightness in her jaw and the pinch between her brows speak volumes.

We need to handle this matter now. I have a gut feeling shit’s going to hit the fan real soon.

“Promise me you’ll watch your back out there.” The tremble in her voice tugs at my heart. “I can’t lose you.”

I wish I didn't have to leave Liza, but there's no other way. Our future depends on how I handle what comes next.

“I promise I’ll come back, milaya. No matter what, I'll keep you and Sofiya safe. Do you trust me?”

“More than anyone.” She threads her fingers through my hair.

We both reach for each other at the same time. My hands cradle the back of her head as her lips meet mine in a sweet kiss that soon turns harder, more urgent, communicating everything we don’t dare to say.

“I need to go,” I say against her lips. “I'll check in with you when I can, and my man will stay and guard you.”

Her face falls. "What about my parents?"

“You're too good for them. They don't deserve you.” I trace the line of her jaw with my thumb. "It’s up to them to choose sides. I hope you won't be too disappointed if they choose the wrong one.”

“They’ve already done that. I just don't want them to die.”

I nod, but I refuse to make any promises. “Just take care of yourself and Sofiya. I'll be back for you as soon as I can.”

I brush my lips over hers one last time. Usually, I relish the moments before going to war—the adrenaline rush, the chance to unleash my savage side without restraint. But this time, it's different.

For the first time in a long time, I have something precious to lose—someone I can't bear to live without.

LIZA

It's the middle of the night when I walk Roman out to his car. It’s freezing cold, but I don’t care.

He draws me close, pressing me against his chest as his fingers rub soothing circles on my back. The uncertainty of what lies ahead is overwhelming, and I'm afraid that if I look at him, I'll come undone.

My brain can barely process everything I learned tonight. Anatoly is mixed up in human trafficking, which is evil on another level. Do my parents know about this? If they do, are they looking the other way? I'm not even sure I want to know the truth; it’s too sickening.

“I need to go.” Roman plants a gentle kiss on my temple. “You're going to be fine. Feliks is on his way to your sister’s school. He’ll have to break into her dorm, but don’t worry, it’s what he does best. He promised he’d try not to scare the shit out of her. They’ll be here in a few hours.”

I trap my lower lip between my teeth. “Will you be able to call me?”

“I’m not sure when, but I’ll try. Just lay low here and try not to worry. Maxim knows what’s going on. He and Kira are flying back soon.”

I frown. “I don't want Kira to worry, especially with the pregnancy.”

Roman smiles and brushes a piece of hair from my face. "Don't worry about Kira¸. She's a big girl and, frankly, one tough bitch.” He gives me a pointed look. “You got this; I know you do. But just in case…” He pulls a pistol from his holster. “It's a little late to ask this question, but do you know how to use one of these?”

I shake my head. “No, never had a reason to learn.”

“When this is all said and done, I'll teach you. There's always a reason to know how to protect yourself. For now, I'll show you the basics.” I shake my head, a protest ready on my lips, but he continues anyway. “You'll have Feliks here, but I'm a big believer in ‘just in case’. Please. Do it for me.”

A chill runs down my spine. I hate what he's insinuating. The idea is terrifying, but the thought of having no means of protecting myself even more so.

Roman holds the pistol out to me, his eyes locked on mine, ensuring I’m focused. “First, make sure the safety is off—just push this lever here to the side.” He guides my thumb over the small metal switch. “Then aim, and when you're ready, squeeze the trigger.” His hands are steady as he helps position mine with a calmness meant to steel my nerves.

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the cold metal in my hand. “I understand," I assure him, trying to match his calm. “I’ll be careful.”

Roman nods, his gaze serious. “Keep it by your bedside. And don't forget to set the alarm when you go back inside. Feliks has the code, and if anything happens, it'll alert me immediately."

“I’ll be fine,” I assure him. “It’s you I’m worried about.”

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